Horseshoe Curve

[eric220]

Does anyone have, or can anyone point me to an alignment diagram of Horseshoe Curve?  I've been tweaking my layout design again, and I just realized that I might have just enough room to do an actual 1:160 model of the curve!  The two curves that comprise Horseshoe Curve work out to 47.775" and 45.675" radius, and I have 93" across to work with.  That's pretty tight, and depending on where the two curves meet, I may be squeaked out of space, but I thought it would be worth looking into.

[eric220]

Well, using a high-resolution arial photo, it looks like the Curve would be 97.5 inches across in N Scale.  4.5 inches too many.  Being that close, if I scale the dimensions down to 1:182, that gives me curves of 42" and 41.125" radius, (the smaller curve is actually 41.15", but I'm rounding to keep the measurements easy) and a length across of 86", which is close to the continuous 42" radius curve that I have now.  Not quite 100%, but plenty close enough.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

It's closer than many of the other reproductions I've seen!

That's pretty awesome Eric. I can't wait to see it come together.

[Puddington]

Don't forget the railfans.....lot's of them........taking the same pictures everyone else does, everyday, every week, every month........I'd guestimate between 80 - 120 Prieser figures, 2/3's with cameras will do it.......LOL

That would be awesome if you can pull it off.......good luck, look forward to seeing it........but don't ferget the figures............... ;D

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Don't forget the railfans.....lot's of them........taking the same pictures everyone else does, everyday, every week, every month........I'd guestimate between 80 - 120 Prieser figures, 2/3's with cameras will do it.......LOL

Hahahahaha, a truer story of the curve has never been told.

That said, it also needs a "night" version, with me sleeping on the picnic table...

[Bob Bufkin]

I think a pickup truck with bed full of asshats taking shots would be better.

[eric220]

Ed - I can't wait to see this scene come together either!  I've been imagining it for the last three years, ever since we moved into our house.  I hope that my meager modeling skills can do it half justice.

Pud, Bob - I do believe that the railfans will be the finishing touch.  I like the idea of a modeled a$$hat meetup, even if it's 60 years too soon.  

[TrainCat2]

That said, it also needs a "night" version, with me sleeping on the picnic table...

Your just dreaming that you can get out of the house  ;D

[davefoxx]

I like the idea of a modeled a$$hat meetup, even if it's 60 years too soon.  

Asshats: The First Generation.

@Eric: Looking forward to seeing your progress.  Since most of the viewing would likely be from inside the curve, I doubt that anyone will notice that the radius is ever so slightly smaller.  Don't forget to nail the grade, too, if you're going to do it right.  Wow, N scale trains on 40"+ radius curves will look really nice.

@Ed: Wouldn't a bunch of asshats standing around the Curve asking, "Where's Ed?", be more faithful?

Dave Foxx

[seusscaboose]

a "Where's Ed" Banner or even a sound effect activated via push button is definitley mandatory...

now...

someone post the YOUTUBE link so eric knows what we are referencing!

EP

[Ed Kapuscinski]

[eric220]

Horseshoe curve in 1:182.



The outside track was traced on the arial photo, and the other three tracks were added at 1.25" centers.  The south curve (left side) has an extra 6° of curvature, which is necessary to match up with the end of the yard.

Dave - Either that or Asshats: The Original Series.   ;D  Getting the grade is going to require remote mounting a couple of tortoises, but I think it will be worth it.  I just worked it out to a little under two and a half inches of rise at 1.725% grade on the inner track.  I've only got 6" of clearance under the tracks in that alcove, but I can take a 2.4" drop.

Ed - That is too funny!  I am definitely going to have to work "where's ed" into the scene somewhere!

[Dave Schneider]

How did we ever make fun of people before the internet? I can't even remember at this point. This is the first time I've seen this...thanks for sharing.
Best wishes, Dave

[wm3798]

I think a pickup truck with bed full of asshats taking shots would be better.

I assume the "shots" you mention have nothing to do with cameras...

That was a classically fun weekend...

Personally, I'd model the mid 1980's when the steam loco was still up there, and the burned out caboose that once served as a snack stand.  Very post - PC!

Lee

[davefoxx]

Dave - Either that or Asshats: The Original Series.   ;D

Asshats: TOS.  I love it!  

Getting the grade is going to require remote mounting a couple of tortoises, but I think it will be worth it.  I just worked it out to a little under two and a half inches of rise at 1.725% grade on the inner track.  I've only got 6" of clearance under the tracks in that alcove, but I can take a 2.4" drop.

This is awesome.  I can't wait to see it built!  How close are you to actual construction?